If you’re on social media, you’ve probably seen the trend that’s like, “I hate gay halloween because what do you mean you’re dressed as (really weird obscure costume).” So, inspired by that, here are some of my favorite niche/weird costume ideas.
Hudson Williams (And Connor Storrie)
To start off, the costume that sparked this idea in the first place; Hudson Williams, but specifically his Peloton Ad video. Not only unique, but also a pretty simple costume, great for last minute needs. All you need are white shorts, a white tank and some tennis shoes with white socks. If you really want to commit, you can do a photoshoot at a gym and walk around playing the iconic song featured in the ad, “Fame” by David Bowie.
Now of course, I couldn’t separate Hudson and Connor. Another simple costume idea, Connor Storrie’s outfit from his Interview Magazine photoshoot. Specifically, the viralvideo that floated around of Connor dancing to Madonna’s song, “Like a Prayer.” A white “Gold’s Gym SoCal” shirt, some blue athletic shorts and a water bottle so you can douse yourself in water as you dramatically recreate his dance. Here’s some inspiration!
These costume ideas are not only simple, but would also be super fun duo costumes.
AMC Nicole Kidman
Another icon here, but in an ultra specific outfit. In 2021, Nicole Kidman starred in an AMC ad that went viral, and was immediately turned into a meme. Despite coming out 5 years ago, I have seen this video all over my FYP almost daily. This one would take a little effort, but it’s not impossible. You’ll need a dark gray striped pantsuit, if you can find a sparkly one, amazing, but if not, you can always go the extra mile and bedazzle it yourself. Complete it with some silver heels, and a light brown trench coat.
If you have one, be sure to take photos at AMC, and maybe even watch a movie while you’re there.
Zendaya Hat Theory
An oldy but a goody. If you’ve spent any time on the internet you’re probably familiar with the Zendaya Hat Theory. In 2014 at the Teen Vogue party, Zendaya debuted her infamous giant black hat, and since then the internet did what the internet does best, and created a conspiracy theory. The idea is that the hat is so big she must be hiding something, or someone, under there, particularly her husband, Tom Holland. For this costume you’ll need a long black dress, black heels, and, of course, a giant black hat.
If you want to be extra accurate, I suggest printing a photo of Tom Holland and storing it in your hat.
Nina Girl
“Just vote. Just vote.”
Another oldy. 6 years ago, Cut released a video called “7 High Schoolers Decide Who Wins $1000”. This video sparked a meme centered around one of the high schoolers who was obsessed with fish. One of the most quotable lines was her repetition of the name, “Nina”, earning her the title of “The Nina Girl.” Most of the students were a bit immature, but she just has this attitude to her that made her perfect meme material. You’ll need a blue shirt under some overalls, hiking shoes, and for more accuracy, a wig for her staple pixie cut. And be sure to spend the entire night quoting her.
And no need to worry, she has embraced her “fish girl” identity and posts on tiktok now!
365 Buttons Girl
I recently discovered that this one may be a bit nicher than I thought. For some context, in December, a creator on TikTok (comment is no longer on the original video) posted a video about her 2026 rebrand, and a user named Tamara commented saying, “I’m getting 365 buttons one for each day because I want to do more stuff and I’m scared of time so I want to be more conscious of it.” This obviously sparked some confusion on what exactly she was going to do with the buttons, and after some back and forth we got what is arguably one of the most quotable lines ever, “hey so it actually only has to make sense to me for me to do it and I don’t feel like explaining it to anyone else.”
And this, of course, went viral.
So if you are someone who does understand this reference, get a dress or just any outfit in a solid plain color and cover it with buttons, 365 exactly if you can.
Vanessa Hudgens – Sneakernight
“Put your sneakers on.”
Another throwback, and a personal favorite. I mean, who doesn’t know Vanessa Hudgens’s iconic song and music video, “Sneakernight.” You need a sequined tank, with a longer pink tank under, some white shorts (short shorts), a gray zip up hoodie, a fedora (sequined and gold if you can find it), almost knee-high socks, and of course, sneakers (ideally ones that light up). Not the most popular style anymore, but somehow still so iconic.
If you want to be extra niche, find a way to make a reference to Danny Gonzalez and Drew Gooden’s youtube video, “Speedrunning Conspiracy Theories”. If you’ve seen this video then you know “Sneakernight” is used as a repeat joke and is now so related that it’s even mentioned in the song’s Wikipedia page. Carry around a static image of Bashar, or even better get a friend to dress up as Bashar. You can do a trio costume and dress up as Danny and Drew too. Only certain people will understand, but it could also spark some conversations and maybe you’ll meet some fellow fans.
Sue Sylvester
“I will no longer be carrying photo ID. You know why? People should know who I am.”
A little less niche, but I couldn’t write about ‘gay halloween’ without mentioning Sue Sylvester. She’s sarcastic, hilarious and can do no wrong.
I’m ashamed to admit this but I have never actually seen Glee. Despite this, even I know how iconic she is and she is the perfect halloween costume. A simple red tracksuit, some white tennis shoes, a megaphone, a whistle and a blonde wig. Simple and easy, but revolutionary.
Shake It Up – Dyslexia Scene
This by far has to be my favorite costume idea from this entire list. Genuinely, what do you mean you’re dressed as the dyslexia scene from Shake It Up?
If you weren’t someone who grew up watching Shake It Up, first off, you missed out, secondly, one of the series’ most life-changing scenes was when Rocky found out that Cece was dyslexic. There is of course a lot of shame surrounding learning disabilities, but like most Disney scenes from this time, the dramatized reaction just makes it a little funny.
This costume is probably the most difficult one I’ve mentioned, but you can make it work. Layering…everything was really big around this time. Rocky, rocks, a sort of frilly, pink cropped blouse with a teal tank underneath as well as a gray short sleeve sweater with white lace. She also wears blue jeans with fabric patches, her black boots, lacy fingerless gloves, and a really 2000s white necklace. Cece is wearing a white ‘no papparizzi’ shirt with a blue jean jacket and a blue sweater over it, a clip on tie (crazy times), knee length shorts, white leggings, orange leg warmers and her Doc Marten-like boots.
Insane outfits, honestly, but as long as you layer like crazy, it’ll be perfect. Don’t forget to stop at every staircase you see and recreate this scene. Also, I must give credit to the incredible video that inspired this.
Special Mentions
A little bit less of niche costumes but some that I just had to mention.
The first one is actually niche and because of that, I need to give a shoutout to my coworker who is dressing up as Twilight Sparkle but as a Pikmin. I love it.
Yellowjackets
Tons of amazing options here, but my personal favorites include a duo costume of Jackie and Shauna, but specifically frozen Jackie and either young cannibalistic Shuana or older hallucinating Shuana. I also absolutely love Lottie Matthews as the antler queen, gorgeous and just insane (shoutout to my bestfriend).
Haunted Hotel
This show aired on Netflix in 2025, and a second season was just released earlier this October. It’s gotten a good amount of attention but isn’t super popular, so I would love to see costumes of any of the characters. And, if you haven’t seen this show yet, you should definitely go watch!
Supernatural
(Special shoutout to my mom here for this one, who I convinced to watch Supernatural)
Sam and Dean Winchester. I adore this series, so I would honestly love to see any costumes. You could also make it a trio and include Castiel or Charlie. These costumes would really only require regular clothes, so it’s simple and perfect for last minute needs, and also I think this show just deserves some more attention.
These are far from the only niche halloween costumes out there, so go crazy! No matter how old you are, Halloween is meant to be enjoyed and it’s a time to share the things you love, have fun and be safe!
Happy Halloween!